Winter Remains Cold for Seniors as Coal Donations Dry Up   

• The Lunar New Year holiday has passed, but winter’s chill lingers for residents who rely on coal for heat. For 71-year-old Mr. Lee, the long holiday season brings more anxiety than joy as his supply of coal briquettes, known as “yeontan,” is nearly gone. To stretch his remaining 28 briquettes, he burns just two a day, half of what he typically needs to keep his small home warm. Recent data highlight the severity of the crisis. According to Yeontan Bank, coal donations have plunged 59% over the past four years. In 2021, donors contributed more than 5.2 million briquettes. By 2025, that number had fallen to roughly 2.1 million. With nearly 60,000 households still dependent on this fuel, current supplies are insufficient to carry them through the rest of the chilly season. The hardship extends beyond the cold. Experts warn of growing social isolation. For many seniors living alone, volunteers delivering briquettes are their only link to the outside world. These visits provide critical emotional support. Without stronger community backing, many elderly residents face a winter that is both cold and painfully lonely. J.K. Park Senior Reporter junior/1773909290/1613367801